[ad_1]
Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract as England head coach until the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The Dutch-born manager’s existing contract, which led England to European Championship glory in 2022 and a place in the 2023 World Cup final, was due to expire after Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
The 54-year-old, who has played for the Netherlands and England national teams and reached the finals of the past four major tournaments, says she has “unfinished business” as her assistant Arjan Vurink extends his stay until 2027. .
Wiegmann said: “After an incredible two-and-a-half years, I am delighted to have the chance to lead England until 2027.” “Nothing is easy, but I know we can do more. Our game has become very competitive at the top level. I am enjoying the opportunity. I can’t wait for Euro qualifiers and the World Cup to start.
“I would like to thank Mark Bullingham, Debbie Hewitt and the FA Board for their support. I must also mention Arjan Vurink. I am delighted that he has extended his stay. These wonderful players It’s a great job working with us and our amazing colleagues, and of course it’s very special to be able to contribute to giving our fans such great moments.”
Wiegmann’s future was the subject of much speculation during last year’s World Cup. Her success with England has seen her linked with a string of other high-profile jobs around the world, with suggestions that she could be considered to replace Gareth Southgate as England men’s manager in the long term. Although she is being watched, the Lionesses will now compete in two more major tournaments.
Football Association Chief Executive Officer Bullingham said: “We are thrilled that Sarina has agreed to extend their stay as we prepare for this important new period in international football.” “She has achieved much through her outstanding work as a coach and leader and continues to achieve much more. Our aim for our England team is to consistently compete in major tournaments. It’s about having power, and Sarina has helped us achieve that, building on several years of positive progress.
“She has also been a great ambassador for women’s football, and British football in general. The work is there for everyone to see. Sarina is an inspiration to so many people here and abroad and it’s great that she will continue to spend time with us at Wembley and St George’s Park. .”
Coach Wiegmann’s team missed out on participating in the Summer Olympics as Team GB, and narrowly missed out on advancing to the Nations League final in February, so their next move is to play a friendly overseas in February, at which point they will be looking to qualify. It will probably be before the campaign you are aiming for. The 2025 European Championship begins.
The FA will be happy to see Wiegman stay.
This news will be a huge boost for England and the FA. It was becoming increasingly unclear which manager Wiegmann would turn to, especially if he had decided to leave in 2025 when his original contract expires.
There is a long list of experienced and successful women’s coaches with enough name recognition to have been able to take up the England job. Emma Hayes, the most successful manager in the Women’s Super League, has been poached by the United States, and Casey Stoney, who is widely rumored to be a potential future England head coach, is expected to be a strong candidate to fill the vacancy at Chelsea. There is. Former Wales manager Gemma Greiner has also been appointed to the Norway national team.
Wiegmann was cautious when asked about his future during the 2023 World Cup, but said four more years is a “long time” and he will consider whether to extend his contract given his love for his family. said he could not make a decision quickly. . After all, she continues to live in the Netherlands throughout her tenure with Lionesses. But it’s also abundantly clear how much she enjoys the job and coaching players at the top of their game.
The FA will be delighted to have agreed an extension with Wiegmann, who won her fourth FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year award. Her success at the international level in modern times is unparalleled.
Her contract extension also increases the chances of a blockbuster showdown with Hayes at the 2027 World Cup if England face Hayes’ USA. Both sides have high hopes for silverware, and a heated new rivalry could emerge.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for one month, then enjoy a full year for just $9 with our exclusive US offer.
[ad_2]
Source link
